Global Motor Insurance Trends, Regulatory Updates, and Market Insights

How Often Do Consumers Shop Around For Cover? LexisNexis Has Data

17 Dec 2025

LexisNexis data shows UK motor insurance shopping and switching slowed in H1 2025 as premiums eased and stabilized after 2024 highs. Daily searches fell by about 20,000 year on year, and only 22% of shoppers switched policies, down from 25% in 2024. Average vehicle values declined to around £10,500 while car age neared 11 years, reflecting cost-of-living pressures and delayed replacements. Competitive balance narrowed as smaller insurers gained customers from top providers, though early cancellations were higher outside the Top 10. The lull may be temporary, with rising repair and claims costs potentially reigniting switching activity in 2026.

How Much Do Spaniards Drive Before Selling Their Car? Above the European Average

17 Dec 2025

A recent CarVertical study shows that the average Spanish car owner drives 92,009 km before selling their vehicle, about 23,186 km per year, which is higher than the European average of 75,928 km. Countries like Poland, Slovakia, and Portugal record even higher mileage before selling, while markets with faster car turnover include Serbia, Ukraine, and Hungary. Longer vehicle retention and lower annual mileage are typical in Germany, the UK, Portugal, and Lithuania, making cars in these countries potentially safer. This data can help buyers understand driving habits and vehicle usage trends across Europe.

Regulatory measures lead to drop in Motor insurance complaints

17 Dec 2025

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has implemented regulations to ensure transparent, fair, and time-bound motor claim settlements. Insurers must have board-approved policies, disclose surveyor roles, and provide clear explanations for all claim deductions. Complaints in the motor segment have slightly decreased, with most cases resolved by the Insurance Ombudsman. For losses under ₹50,000, AI-driven app assessments can be used instead of mandatory surveyor inspections. IRDAI may suspend surveyor licenses for professional misconduct or violations of policyholder protection rules.

Data Snapshot: NI Male Drivers More Likely to Break Rules

16 Dec 2025

Data from CompareNI reveals that male drivers account for 84% of uninsured driving offences in Northern Ireland, with 4,806 men caught versus 920 women between September 2024 and August 2025. Belfast had the highest rate of offences, followed by Newry, Mourne and Down, while Causeway Coast and Glens recorded the lowest. Drivers caught without insurance face fines, penalty points, and likely higher future premiums, with six points potentially increasing costs by around 25%. Experts advise motorists to check paperwork, avoid auto-renewal, and compare policies to reduce insurance expenses. Uninsured driving has now overtaken speeding as the most common motoring offence in the region.

Women in Car Insurance: Trends, Behavior, and Market Impact

15 Dec 2025

The role of women in Spain’s car insurance market has grown significantly, with 8.7 million women now holding policies. While older female drivers (65+) have tripled since 2011, the number of younger women (25–35) insured has halved due to mobility alternatives and changing cultural priorities. Women tend to choose personal vehicles like cars and show a higher preference for additional coverages such as theft, legal protection, and comprehensive insurance. Regional differences exist, with higher female participation in urban and island provinces. Insurers are encouraged to tailor products, marketing, and risk management to meet the diverse needs of female drivers.

UK motor insurance tipped back into loss by 2026: EY

15 Dec 2025

EY expects the UK motor insurance market to slip back into losses after a profitable 2024, breaking even in 2025 before deteriorating further in 2026. After achieving a net combined ratio of 97% in 2024, the market is forecast to rise to 101% in 2025 and 111% in 2026 as claims inflation returns and pricing softens. Premiums are projected to fall by around 10% in 2025, offering short-term relief to motorists, before increasing again in 2026. However, higher repair costs, vehicle complexity, and inflation are expected to outweigh pricing gains, keeping pressure on insurers’ margins. EY notes insurers must navigate rising costs alongside regulatory and structural changes shaping the market.

Dubai top court narrows access to motor liability payouts

13 Dec 2025

Dubai’s top court has clarified that only certain parties can claim under motor liability policies, limiting coverage for insured drivers, at-fault drivers, and employees unless separate endorsements apply. The ruling is expected to impact policy wording, endorsements, and corporate insurance programs, particularly for fleets and companies with staff driving as part of their work. Insurers, brokers, and risk managers may need to coordinate motor liability with medical, life, and disability coverage to avoid gaps. The UAE motor insurance market is growing, supported by population and vehicle increases, stricter enforcement, and real-time connectivity between insurer databases and authorities. This legal and regulatory shift is reshaping claims handling, product design, and market stability.

Car Insurance Could Rise in 2026 Due to SAT Changes

13 Dec 2025

Car insurance premiums in Mexico may increase in 2026 following changes by the Tax Administration Service (SAT), which will prevent insurers from deducting VAT on repairs and claims payments. This fiscal adjustment could raise operational costs for insurers, potentially leading to 10–20% higher premiums and increased deductibles for policyholders. Given the already low insurance penetration – over 76% of adults remain uninsured due to high costs – consumers may reduce coverage or cancel policies altogether.

Ford and Renault Form Partnership on Light Commercials

13 Dec 2025

Renault Group and Ford have announced a strategic partnership to expand Ford’s electric vehicle lineup in Europe, enhancing competitiveness for both companies. The collaboration includes two Ford-branded EVs built on Renault’s Ampere platform, designed by Ford and produced in France, with the first model expected in early 2028. The partnership also explores joint development and manufacturing of selected light commercial vehicles. Executives highlight that combining Renault’s industrial scale and EV expertise with Ford’s design and driving dynamics will drive innovation and efficiency in the European market. This cooperation may also benefit claims specialists by standardizing parts across both brands’ light vans and pick-ups.

Poland introduces new fines for not having car insurance: what you need to know

12 Dec 2025

Poland is tightening enforcement of compulsory motor third-party liability insurance, with higher fines taking effect from 1 January 2026. Even short gaps in coverage can result in significant penalties, as fines are linked to the minimum wage and will rise alongside it. In 2025, fines already range from PLN 1,870 for brief lapses to over PLN 9,300 for longer periods, while the maximum penalty will increase further in 2026. Drivers should note that policies are not always automatically renewed, such as after buying a car, missing an instalment, or using short-term insurance. Motorists are advised to regularly check policy validity via Poland’s Insurance Guarantee Fund to avoid unexpected costs.

Register, Deregister, and Transfer Your Car Online – Drive Immediately Without ID

11 Dec 2025

In Germany, vehicle registration can now be completed online through the i-Kfz system, allowing owners to register, deregister, or transfer cars from home. A new ID card with eID functionality and vehicle documents with hidden security codes are required. Once registered, drivers can use unvalidated plates for up to 10 days while awaiting official documents. Deregistration only requires entering the license plate and security code, and online transfer processes also include insurance proof and tax payment details. This digital system streamlines the process, saving trips to registration offices and enabling immediate driving after online approval.

Motor insurance taskforce sets out claims-led reforms – insurers told to prepare for change

10 Dec 2025

The UK Government’s Motor Insurance Taskforce has released its final report outlining actions to curb rising motor insurance costs by addressing claims inflation rather than insurer profits. Key priorities include improving claims efficiency, tackling fraud and uninsured driving, investing in road safety and repairs, and strengthening regulation, while avoiding direct pricing interventions such as social tariffs. The report highlights repair costs and credit hire as the main drivers of premium increases, with claims payments reaching £3 billion in Q3 2025 alone. Regulators and industry bodies will now focus on data analysis, claims reforms, anti-fraud enforcement, and vehicle repair challenges, including EV battery costs. While some stakeholders welcome the practical approach, consumer groups argue the measures fall short of delivering immediate relief for high-risk and low-income drivers.